Values
Throughout our work together you can expect to be treated with unconditional positive regard, openness, and curiosity.
My therapeutic style focuses primarily on strengths and stressors rather than diagnosis and pathology. I will strive to balance your priorities and goals with attainable challenges and validation.
Anti-racist, queer-affirming and neurodiversity-affirming care are of the utmost importance to me as a human and mental health provider.
My approach to therapy is informed by over a decade of working in mental health. My experience includes individual therapy, child and family therapy, play therapy, in-home and community-based therapy, day treatment, school social work, and inclusive early childhood education. I have facilitated a variety of caregiver support groups and enjoy supporting caregivers in building community with one another.
Background
I am passionate about collaborating with other professionals in mental health and related disciplines. When I am not in direct therapy practice, I offer clinical supervision, mental health consultation, and serve as Community Faculty in the University of Minnesota's Master of Social Work Program.
My longest standing professional passion is working with very young children (0-6) and their caregivers. Caregivers are central to children's growth and development and I will partner with you to use the power of relationships, play, and developmentally informed parenting strategies, to reduce your child's distress and nurture growth. I'm enthusiastic about working with neurodivergent children and neurodivergent family systems.
I bring expertise in supporting adults struggling with personal or professional burnout and specialize in supporting neurodivergence in individuals and families. I will respect your priorities and come to our sessions prepared with questions and observations to facilitate your growth and learning.
Approaches
My approach to therapy draws on relationship centered care, attachment theory, polyvagal theory, mindfulness, neurodiversity affirmation, and play therapies. I have extensive training in working with Autism Spectrum disorders using the Greenspan Floortime Approach and addressing early developmental stress and trauma using Developmental Repair.
Neurodiversity Affirming Care
I believe that I have an ethical imperative to take an affirming approach to my work with Autism and ADHD and avoid any therapeutic method that seeks to mask neurodivergence.
My approach to neurodiversity affirming care emphasizes self determination, enhancing quality of life, optimizing strengths, developing systems of support to address limitations and reduce distress, and partnering with individuals to deepen understanding of their minds, bodies and relationships.